Courage Cup for Boys' High

SCHOOL HEROES: Brendon O’Connor, above, and Charlie Ngatai (next picture) carry the ball for Gisborne Boys’ High School against Te Aute College in their school days. Two of the school rugby teams contesting the Courage Cup are named for them. Pictures by Paul Rickard

RUGBY

What’s in a name?

In the case of Gisborne Boys’ High School’s new rugby competition, The Courage Cup, the answer is 111 years of history.

The cup takes its name from the school motto, “Virtus Repulsae Nescia” — Latin for “Courage Knows No Defeat”.

The purpose of the cup competition — for players 15 years of age and under — is to “play the game, enjoy the game, grow the game”.

Six teams will take part. They are named for former GBHS first 15 players playing professionally or, in the case of former All Blacks Rico Gear and Hosea Gear, involved in coaching.

The teams are named for Rico Gear, Hosea Gear, Charlie Ngatai, Whetukamokamo Douglas, Brendon O’Connor and Toa Halafihi.

The format is for 15-a-side games with 22-man squads. Halves will last 25 minutes on a full field. The competition will run after school (3.15pm) from tomorrow at the Rectory ground and Barry Park.

Teams will play one game a day, and the competition running on Wednesdays for five weeks.

The draw for tomorrow is: Ngatai v O’Connor , Rectory No.1; Hosea Gear v Halafihi, R2; Douglas vRico Gear, Barry Park.Everyone will play at least half a game.

Players of potential will be on show. With talent being evenly spread across the teams, games should be close.